In connection with the synthesis of certain 1, 2-benzanthracene derivatives3 it was noted that upon treatment with methanol containing hydrogen chloride, 2-benzoyl-1-naphthoic acid, mp 143O, yielded a compound, mp 156O, in 90% yield. On alkaline hydrolysis the original acid was regenerated. Analysis gave values consistent with those to be expected from the methyl ester. However, the high melting point and the failure to react in the ...